Karst Terrain

On hol(e)y ground.

Posted November 27, 2017:

The term “karst” has traditionally been used to refer to regions of exposed soluble bedrock having an abundance of surface landforms, such as sinkholes, sinking streams, and springs, that reflect the presence of subsurface voids or caves. Soluble bedrock includes limestone and dolomite, which are composed of calcium and magnesium carbonate. These rocks tend to dissolve or erode over time when in contact with surface water or groundwater. Kentucky and most of the Southeastern US has an abundance of karst terrains or landscapes.

The use of the term “sinkhole” is restricted for existing surface depressions or surface collapse of limestone and dolomite bedrock. Sinkholes happen, and when they do, it can be a sudden and drastic event. Some famous sinkhole collapses come to mind, including the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY in 2014 that destroyed several Corvettes, and a suburban Tampa, FL event in 2013 that swallowed a man sleeping in his bedroom and whose body was never recovered.

Many sinkholes develop over a period of hours or days, and the flight to safety is usually successful. However, the fact remains that the solid ground we live on may not be so solid below us, and due to ongoing groundwater and erosive activity, may contain voids and caves. We may be living on holey ground and not know it.

How do we or can we predict sinkhole collapses? An experienced professional geologist can perform an onsite inspection, review geological maps and drill hole records, or conduct closely spaced, detailed subsurface geophysical surveys that might help to determine whether a sinkhole event is possible or probable. However, the prediction of certainty or much less the timing of a sinkhole collapse is not scientifically or statistically possible.

Proper engineering and planning for constructing roads, buildings, or site layouts in karst prone areas generally require some associated geotechnical work that involves a surface and shallow subsurface analysis of the soil, bedrock, and groundwater. SynTerra has an experienced staff of licensed surveyors, engineers, and geologists capable of conducting site-specific investigations to fit most client needs. Please contact SynTerra for more information on how we can help.

Kathy Webb, P.G.

Senior Market Leader | Principal

Kathy Webb, who co-founded SynTerra (then known as The Fletcher Group) in 1992, has completed remedial investigations and regulatory compliance projects associated with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities, state and federal Superfund sites, solid waste landfills, brownfield redevelopment, utility coal combustion residual (CCR) management units, and regulated industrial facilities. She has supported litigation as an expert witness related to chlorinated solvents, metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Kathy is known for her practical assessment strategy with the perspective of the client’s business objectives. She routinely evaluates groundwater corrective action systems for effectiveness and progress toward achieving compliance objectives. She has co-authored a trade journal paper with case studies of low-impact remedial strategies. Kathy is a licensed Professional Geologist in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Mark Taylor, P.G.

Principal

Mark has worked more than 40 years in natural-resource based industries. His expertise includes mine geology and mine engineering, hydrogeologic and geotechnical investigations, solid and hazardous waste management, and regulatory negotiations. He has published peer-reviewed papers about coal geology, ore geochemistry, mineralogy, and solid waste management. He is a leading expert in mining and environmental permitting for litigation support.

Mark is licensed as a Professional Geologist in South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Washington. He serves on the boards of the Upstate Red Cross and Upstate Forever. He served on the South Carolina Board of Registration for Geologists for six years. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Geological Sciences from The University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Science from Harvard University.

Andrea Kehn, P.E.

Vice President of Engineering | Principal

Andrea Kehn, leader of our Civil & Environmental Engineering Business Unit, has 28 years of experience in chemical manufacturing and environmental consulting. She leads and supervises staff professionals on multidisciplinary projects for a variety of industrial clients. Andrea’s vast experience and expertise includes: air quality construction and operating permitting; air quality modeling; air permit record-keeping and reporting; Oil Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP); NPDES permitting; water quality modeling; process safety management; risk management compliance and auditing; and RCRA compliance.

Andrea is registered as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Ruth Albright, P.E.

Vice President | Principal

Ruth has led projects for major industrial facilities throughout the Southeast and beyond. She built her knowledge of environmental regulations and their application to manufacturing operations while working for the second largest chemical manufacturing company in the United States. At SynTerra, she has expanded both her knowledge and reputation working for chemical manufacturing operations of all sizes. She has also worked extensively with other manufacturing operations, including pulp and paper, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, food, and automotive parts and assembly. Her experience includes air and wastewater permit compliance, solid and hazardous waste management, solid waste construction permitting, hazardous materials transportation, wastewater treatment systems, air pollution control equipment operations and maintenance, and ambient air monitoring systems.

Ruth is a professional engineer registered in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Michigan, Arkansas, and Kentucky. She is an active member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Environmental Technical Committee and serves as the chair of the water subcommittee. She has previously served as the program and committee chair for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs committee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University.